Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / What Cause

What Can Cause Brain Tumors In Dogs

What Can Cause Brain Tumors In Dogs


Brain tumors are an abnormal growth of cells inside the brain tissue. They can develop in any part of the brain, but some types tend to affect specific areas. Brain tumors are rare, but they can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and properly. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, diagnosis, symptoms, types, and treatment options for brain tumors.

Causes of Brain Tumors

The exact causes of brain tumors are still unknown. However, some risk factors have been identified, such as:

  • Family history of brain tumors
  • Exposure to radiation, especially at a young age
  • HIV infection
  • Weakened immune system
  • Age above 65 years

Diagnosis of Brain Tumors

If you're experiencing symptoms that may indicate a brain tumor, your doctor will perform several tests to diagnose it, such as:

  • Neurological exam: to check your reflexes, coordination, and sensory functions.
  • Imaging tests: to obtain detailed images of the brain, such as CT scan, MRI, and PET scan.
  • Biopsy: to remove a small sample of the tumor tissue and examine it under the microscope.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

The symptoms of brain tumors depend on their location, size, and type. Some common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Changes in vision, hearing, or speech
  • Weakness or numbness in a limb or face
  • Difficulty balancing or walking

Types of Brain Tumors

There are several types of brain tumors. Some of the most common ones are:

Gliomas

Gliomas are tumors that develop from glial cells, which support and nourish the neurons in the brain. They can be low-grade or high-grade, depending on how fast they grow and how likely they are to spread. Some subtypes of gliomas are:

  • Astrocytoma
  • Oligodendroglioma
  • Ependymoma
Gliomas brain tumor

Meningiomas

Meningiomas are tumors that develop from the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They are usually benign, meaning they don't spread to other parts of the body. However, they can still cause symptoms by pressing on the brain tissue.

Meningiomas brain tumor

Pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are tumors that develop in the pituitary gland, which is a small gland at the base of the brain that controls hormone production. They can cause hormonal imbalances and affect various body functions, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Medulloblastomas

Medulloblastomas are tumors that develop in the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. They are usually found in children and can cause symptoms such as headaches and difficulty walking.

Treatment of Brain Tumors

The treatment of brain tumors depends on their type, size, location, and grade. The most common treatment options are:

  • Surgery: to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging the brain tissue.
  • Radiation therapy: to kill the remaining cancer cells after surgery or shrink the tumor before surgery.
  • Chemotherapy: to destroy cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery: a type of radiation therapy that delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor with great precision.

In conclusion, brain tumors are rare but serious conditions that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms that may indicate a brain tumor, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. With proper treatment, many people with brain tumors can live long and healthy lives.